Preview: Crystal Palace v Watford

Having claimed back-to-back wins in their past two matches, the Eagles go in search of a third league victory in a row for the first time since September against the Hornets on Saturday.

Walter Mazzarri's men will arrive in south London without a win in their last three games, which has seen them slip to 13th in the table with six points separating to the two sides.

However, Troy Deeney returns to SE25 in a rich vein of form, having netted in five of his last six games, and with four goals in his last three appearances against Palace he will be eyeing the chance to extend that run come the weekend.

He will have to break down a resolute Eagles defence though which could claim a third consecutive clean sheet in the league for the first time since April 2014 when Tony Pulis helped mastermind an escape from the drop zone, something Sam Allardyce is hoping to emulate three years later.

Crystal Palace: Patrick van Aanholt was carried off against West Bromwich Albion with an ankle injury and it remains to be seen if he will be fit for this game.

Mathieu Flamini and Loic Remy have been out recently but could be back in contention, with Connor Wickham and Pape Souare Allardyce's only long-term concerns.

Watford: Nordin Amrabat has returned to full training, while goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon and defenders Christian Kabasele and Daryl Janmaat are also being monitored.

However January arrival Mauro Zarate has joined Roberto Pereyra on the sidelines for the rest of the season with the duo suffering with knee injuries, with ex-Eagle Ben Watson also a doubt.

HEAD TO HEAD

Palace wins

Draws

Watford wins

League

43

22

36

FA Cup

2

2

3

League Cup

1

1

1

Play-offs

1

1

1

Total

47

26

41

STATS

Palace have scored in each of their last 13 encounters with Watford in all competitions, including all three previous PL meetings (W8 D3 L2).

The Hornets have won their last two trips to Selhurst Park, after a run of three successive defeats (3-2 in August 2012 and 2-1 in February 2016).

Watford have suffered 43 league defeats against the Eagles – only versus QPR (48) have they lost more in league competition.

If Watford win this match then they will have won the joint-most Premier League away games in London this season alongside Liverpool (3).

Christian Benteke has scored against 22 different teams during his Premier League career but is yet to score in three league appearances against Watford.

Wilfried Zaha has attempted a dribble on 197 occasions this season in the Premier League; more than any other player.

Only Sunderland (31) have used more players this season in Premier League than both Crystal Palace and Watford (30).

OFFICIALS

Martin Atkinson once again oversees Palace for this game, having taken charge of their 1-0 defeat to Stoke City last month. He also officiated the Eagles at Selhurst back in October when they also lost by a single goal to West Ham United.

Referee: M Atkinson

Assistants: J Collin and G Beswick

Fourth Official: K Stroud

LAST MEETING AT SELHURST PARK

13th February 2016

Crystal Palace 1-2 Watford

Premier League

Troy Deeney scored twice to steer Watford to victory and extend Crystal Palace's run without a league win to nine games.

The captain put Watford into an early lead from the penalty spot, but Emmanuel Adebayor's first goal for Palace drew the Eagles level.

Watford retook the lead with seven minutes left when Deeney drove home Ben Watson's cross.

And Palace ended with 10 men after Pape Souare was shown a red card late on by referee Robert Madley for a two-footed challenge on Valon Behrami.

TICKETS

The Holmesdale Road and Whitehorse Lane Stands are both sold out with a limited number of seats remaining in the Arthur Wait and Main Stand.

This is a Category A match, with paid members and season ticket holders being able to book up to two tickets each.

Tickets can be booked online HERE or in person at the box office, or by calling us on 08712 000 071.

LIVE COVERAGE

Live commentary of the whole game at Selhurst Park will be available on Palace Player. Click HERE to log in or sign up.

There will also be constant updates throughout the day at @CPFC on Twitter, or you can get in-game stats and live coverage on our new official app - click here for more information.